Bus driver filmed reading while driving in Birmingham

A bus driver has been suspended after a passenger filmed him apparently reading while driving along a dual carriageway in Birmingham.

The passenger, who wishes to remain anonymous, filmed the National Express West Midlands driver steering with his elbows while holding a small book.

They said they took the footage after getting on the number 61 bus at Selly Oak at 2005 BST on Monday.

National Express West Midlands said "immediate action" was taken.

The footage has since been posted on video sharing website YouTube.

Dismissal 'likely'

In a statement, a National Express spokesman said: "Immediate action was taken to suspend the driver who will now face disciplinary action.

"It is not appropriate to predict the outcome but an incident of this type is likely to lead to a dismissal.

"Passenger safety is always our priority and it is completely unacceptable for any driver to behave in this manner."

Kevin Clinton, head of road safety for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said there was "no excuse" for reading any book or a map whilst driving.

He said: "It's astonishing that anybody would be so daft really to drive in that way when they are in charge of the safety of so many passengers. Reading a book while driving is illegal and dangerous."

Reading any material inside a moving vehicle was a physical, visual and mental distraction, he added.

BBC links

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